Alabama Scores Big with Corporate Site Selectors!

Alabama's making waves again! The state snagged a spot in the Top 10 of Area Development’s 2025 "Top States for Business," and even ranked among the top five for its killer incentive programs. This annual ranking is a major deal in the economic development world.

While Georgia claimed the top spot (again!), Alabama's continued presence in the Top 10 shows the Yellowhammer State is serious about attracting investment.

Gov. Ivey Chimes In

"Alabama is open for business and built for success," said Governor Kay Ivey. "We've created an environment where companies can thrive and communities can grow."

Key Rankings

Alabama shined in several areas, including:

• No. 1 for Property Tax
• No. 3 for Cost of Doing Business & Regulatory Framework
• No. 4 for Business Incentives
• Top 10 placements in Cooperative Local & State Government, Site Readiness Programs, Workforce Training Programs, Availability of Sites, and Energy Cost

Incentives Matter

Incentives can be the deciding factor for companies choosing between locations. Alabama's top-five ranking proves the state's incentive package is competitive and responsive.

Investing in the Future

Alabama's recent moves are paying off. From the Alabama Jobs Act to the Site SEEDS program, the state is actively improving its business environment. Initiatives like Working for Alabama and the Powering Growth package are further boosting the state's appeal.

Other Recognitions

It's not just Area Development that's taking notice. Alabama also climbed in CNBC’s "Top States for Doing Business 2025" list and earned top rankings from Business Facilities.

Consistency is Key

For companies considering Alabama, this consistent recognition strengthens the state's reputation as a prime location for growth!

Cha-Ching! Alabama Coal Lease Sale Nets Big Bucks!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The Department of the Interior just announced a major coal lease sale in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, and the numbers are HUGE. We're talking over $46 million in revenue headed our way!

Unleashing American Energy

This deal opens up access to a whopping 53 million tons of metallurgical coal across 14,050 acres of federal land. For those not in the know, metallurgical coal is super important for making steel right here in the good ol' USA.

Royalties & Revenue for All

According to officials, these new leases are expected to generate some serious cheddar through royalties, rents, and Alabama state severance taxes. By law, Alabama and the U.S. Treasury will split the royalties right down the middle – 50/50!

Warrior Met Coal Mining Wins Big

The lucky winner of both leases? Warrior Met Coal Mining, LLC, with a total bid of $46,816,000. Not bad, right?

Boosting the Economy & Creating Jobs

This lease sale is all about boosting our economy, creating good-paying jobs, supporting American steel production, and making sure America remains a powerhouse when it comes to energy. Senator Tommy Tuberville even called it "HUGE NEWS for Alabama!"

Energy Dominance is Back!

It seems like energy dominance is BACK, folks! What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!

ChumCity Scoop: Longshore & McKnight Dish!

Catch Longshore and McKnight dropping knowledge daily on YouTube, Spotify, and Yellowhammer News! 🎙️🔊

Today's Highlights:

(Timestamps for your listening pleasure!)

001:30 – Postseason showdowns vs. regular season slugfests! 002:20 – The legendary first meeting of Barry and John – pure "Stepbrothers" vibes! 005:20 – Yankees vs. Red Sox: a nail-biting recap! 007:10 – Alabama Senate race getting some airtime. 0080 – Rating the games: Bama-Georgia vs. Oregon-Penn State – who wins? 00:29:30 – Big news: CJ Duncan joins the party! 00:320 – Vandy's undefeated streak (5-0!) and Diego Pavia's wizardry. 00:370 – College GameDay heads to T-Town for Vandy-Bama! Big game alert! 00:38:20 – Vandy's grit in the trenches – a force to be reckoned with. 00:44:20 – Is the Arkansas coaching gig a hot ticket or a poisoned chalice? 00:45:15 – Ole Miss rising, LSU stumbling? The SEC scoop! 00:48:30 – College GameDay guest picker predictions – who's it gonna be? 00:49:10 – Whispers on the wind: Lane Kiffin to Tuscaloosa?! 0120 – Injury report: Tyreek Hill sidelined for the Dolphins.

Senator Britt Sounds the Alarm on "Blue City" Crime Crisis

U.S. Senator Katie Britt is doubling down on her stance: tougher laws are needed to combat the rising crime rates plaguing "blue cities" nationwide. She argues that lax policies are directly responsible for the crisis.

Pointing Fingers at Policy Failures

During a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Britt (R-Montgomery) didn't mince words, highlighting the "deadly consequences" of policies that downgrade offenses and weaken law enforcement. She specifically called out cashless bail and pretrial releases for violent offenders.

Personal Testimony Highlights the Stakes

Britt questioned Forlesia Cook, a grandmother whose grandson was murdered in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the devastating impact of rising crime. "Your grandson should still be with us today," Britt stated, vowing to fight for safer communities. Cook echoed the sentiment, stating that tougher consequences were crucial to deter future violence.

D.C. Policing Reforms Under Fire

Britt also grilled Detective Gregg Pemberton, chairman of the D.C. Police Union, about the city's 2022 policing reform act. Pemberton blasted the measure as "the worst piece of public safety legislation" he's ever seen, blaming it for the loss of 800 officers in just five years and making it “impossible to hold criminals accountable.”

Britt Champions Law and Order

Public safety is a cornerstone of Britt's Senate agenda. She is a vocal supporter of the CLEAN D.C. Act, aiming to repeal D.C.'s controversial reform law, believing the capital has become a cautionary tale. Britt even referenced the carjacking of one of her staffers near the Capitol, underscoring the severity of the issue.

A Voice for the Vulnerable

Britt is positioning herself as a leading voice for restoring law and order, vowing to resist what she calls "dangerous experiments in criminal justice reform" that put communities at risk.

Marshall Sounds Off on Finebaum, Farm Bill, and Future in Senate Race

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, fresh off a nod from the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), recently shared his thoughts on a potential 2026 Senate run by sports commentator Paul Finebaum. The buzz started during an interview on "The Jeff Poor Show" on FM Talk 1065.

Finebaum's Political Play?

When asked about Finebaum potentially entering the Senate race, Marshall didn't mince words. Referencing Finebaum's past criticism of Trump and the national anthem protests, Marshall stated that voters would have a clear choice to make, should Finebaum enter the race.

Backing from the Farmers

Marshall expressed gratitude for the ALFA endorsement, emphasizing the organization's grassroots nature and its connection to local communities. He highlighted his near-decade of service as Attorney General and his responsiveness to the needs of the agriculture community.

Talking Turkey: Farm Bill Priorities

Marshall stressed the cultural significance of Alabama's family farms and the need to support them. He pointed to faith, family, and freedom as key principles. Marshall also discussed the importance of passing a farm bill, addressing inflation's impact on farmers, and ensuring food security.

Concerns for Law Enforcement

Marshall shared a sobering observation: many law enforcement officers are discouraging their children from entering the profession. "We've got to change that," he stated, highlighting the need for change.

Senate Race Heats Up

Marshall described his Senate campaign as going "good" and mentioned endorsements from groups like Associated Builders and Contractors. The Republican primary is set for May 19, 2026.

Marshall is currently facing competition from Congressman Barry Moore, Jared Hudson, Morgan Murphy, Jerey Spratling, and Rodney Walker. The field could grow even larger before the January 23, 2026 qualifying deadline.

Alabama Celebrates Beef Month!

Yeehaw, ChumCity folks! Get ready to sink your teeth into October because it's Beef Month in Alabama! For over 60 years, we've been tipping our hats to the amazing beef cattle industry and the families who make it all possible.

A Big Hooray for Alabama's Cattle Ranchers!

Erin Beasley, the head honcho at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, puts it perfectly: "October is our chance to shout out the incredible Alabama cattle industry and the hard-working families who bring that delicious beef to our tables!" This month, let’s all make beef the star of our tailgates, fall shindigs, and family feasts!

Beef Blitz Across the State!

The ACA is going all-out this month with statewide ads, social media fun, and appearances at big events like Talladega Superspeedway, the Alabama National Fair, and the Walk of Life.

Local Flavor!

Our awesome local cattle ranchers will be out and about at community events and educational programs. Keep an eye out for initiatives like "Cowboys in the Classroom," county chapter steak sandwich sales, and other cool outreach stuff at fairs and festivals all over the state.

Beef: Big Business in Alabama!

The beef industry is a HUGE deal for Alabama's economy. It's the second-biggest animal agriculture sector, raking in about $2.5 billion and supporting over 10,000 jobs statewide!

Let's Celebrate!

So this October, let's all raise a glass (or a steak!) to the economic and cultural awesomeness of Alabama's cattle industry! Let's enjoy some of that fantastic beef raised right here by our hardworking farm families!

Finebaum for Senate? Say What?!

Rumor has it sports radio king Paul Finebaum might be trading in his microphone for a Senate seat in Alabama! And get this – sources are saying the recent tragedy involving Charlie Kirk could be fueling his potential run as a Republican.

A Republican Finebaum?

Hold up... Paul Finebaum, a Republican? Where did that come from? Has anyone ever heard him even hint at leaning that way before? This is wild!

Could He Do More Good Elsewhere?

Honestly, couldn't Finebaum use his massive platform to make a bigger difference than being another Republican senator from Alabama? Just throwing it out there!

The Inside Scoop

For more Alabama political chatter, keep an eye on Dale Jackson, the brain behind Yellowhammer News and the voice you hear from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN weekdays.

Shutdown Showdown! Aderholt Blames Dems!

Alright ChumCity citizens, grab your popcorn because the government's officially in shutdown mode! U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) isn't pulling any punches, pointing the finger squarely at the Democratic Party's leadership for this mess.

What's the Beef?

Aderholt, who's the big cheese on the House Appropriations Committee, accuses the Dems of playing fast and loose with the truth during negotiations.

A Clean CR? Not So Fast!

"Let's be crystal clear," Aderholt stated. "This happened because the Democrats gave a big "NO THANKS" to a clean continuing resolution (CR) that would've kept things humming for another two months." He claims the House offered a CR that met the Dems' summer demands, only for them to suddenly demand a cool trillion extra dollars to keep the government lights on.

Whose Fault Is It Anyway?

The House already passed a Republican stopgap Continuing Resolution earlier this month to fund the government through November 21st.

"Some folks are saying this is a 'Republican shutdown' because they control the House, Senate, and White House," Aderholt points out. "But that ignores the fact that Senate Democrats are blocking a vote! If they'd just let the measure hit the floor, it would pass, and we'd all be sipping government-funded iced tea!"

No Hostages!

The Congressman insists he doesn't want a shutdown but won't cave to what he calls reckless spending demands.

"I'm not cool with holding the U.S. government, and by extension, the American people, hostage just to force through spending we can't afford!" he argues. "Democrats want to talk? Great! But why shut down government services? A two-month CR would buy us time to hash out next year's spending, keep services running, and ensure our military and other government employees get paid on time!"

Gov Shutdown Drama: Moore Blames Dems!

Fresh off chats with Speaker Johnson and OMB Director Vought, Alabama Congressman Barry Moore dropped a truth bomb (according to him, anyway!) about the government shutdown that kicked off Tuesday night.

Moore's Take: It's a Democrat Disaster!

"Let's be clear," Moore declared, "the Democrats shut this thing down!" He claims the House passed a seven-week funding bill, but Senate Dems are holding out for partisan goodies.

"Shutdown Schumer" & "Hold-Up Hakeem"?

Moore's not holding back the punches. He accuses "Shutdown Schumer" and "Hold-Up Hakeem" Jeffries of demanding an extra trillion dollars to keep the government lights on! He says they're trying to undo efforts to remove illegals from Medicaid and redirect funds from rural hospitals.

What Won't Stop?

Good news! Even with the shutdown, Moore says essential services will keep chugging along. Think USDA programs, Social Security, Medicare, the VA, national parks, TSA, air traffic control, FEMA, and hospitals. Phew!

Military Paycheck Showdown?

Moore hopes Dems buckle before military paychecks are jeopardized. He insists they're punishing Americans for supporting Trump and his agenda. But, Moore believes the pressure is mounting and Democrats will eventually crack.

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